Hello GPODers!
We have now a really particular submission on Backyard Photograph of the Day at this time, courtesy of Tingshu Hu in Dunstable, Massachusetts. In case you’ve been following the weblog for some time now, Tingshu’s title will ring a bell, as she has shared the unbelievable backyard she has created together with her husband, Philip, many occasions (Low Upkeep Backyard in Massachusetts, Flowering Bushes in Tingshu’s Backyard, Tingshu’s Massachusetts Backyard, Chickens in Tingshu’s Backyard, and so many extra). In case you subscribe to Positive Gardening‘s print journal, you might need seen her backyard grace the pages on the finish of final yr (A House Created with Chinese language Design Parts and English Backyard Aesthetics). Tingshu’s backyard delights in each season and there’s an countless array of scenes and buildings to admire, however at this time we’re specializing in the furry solid of backyard companions which have loved the backyard via a number of ups and downs.
Our backyard grows along with our canines, particularly with our Havanese canine Deedee. He witnessed all the main evolvements of the backyard and loved taking part in there since February 2007.
Our backyard in Might 2010: Deedee was testing our newly constructed pathway, beside which two azaleas and a Japanese maple tree have been newly planted. Lulu (an American Eskimo) was extra within the tulip blooms. Behind Lulu was a younger Prairifire crabapple tree (Malus ‘Prairifire’, Zones 4–8).
Deedee was guarding a flock of chickens in October 2011. In historical past, Havanese canines have been used to herd chickens on Cuban farms. He was very mild with the chickens. The vegetation behind Deedee embody Annabelle hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’, Zones 3–9), potted pink coleus, Japanese maple, and Jonagold apple (Malus domestica ‘Jonagold’, Zones 5–8).
Deedee and Lulu have been sharing a peaceable second (July 2014) with two bantam chicks.
After Lulu handed away in 2016, Deedee was lonely and misplaced curiosity in lots of issues. We bought him slightly brother, Luke, in 2017, and Deedee was reinvigorated. This image was taken in Might 2017, quickly after a brand new fence was put in to guard them. Operating within the entrance was Deedee. Luke, 3 months previous, tried very exhausting to maintain up with him. These fences marked the start of constructing the entrance backyard.
The 2 brothers bought alongside very nicely. They favored to relaxation on this patch of creeping phlox (Phlox subulata, Zones 3–9) (Might 2020).
Deedee and Luke loved a stroll alongside a backyard pathway within the early morning (Might 2022). The vegetation behind them embody two azaleas in bloom, light tulips, iris, hosta, canna, and girl’s mantle (Alchemilla mollis, Zones 3–8).
A uncommon image the place Luke and mother have been in the identical body, every minding their very own enterprise (August 2023). The tall vegetation beside the pergola embody Striata canna (Canna ‘Striata’, Zones 7–10) and America rose (Rosa ‘JACclam’, Zones 6–9). The low-growing vegetation alongside the walkway embody blue fescue (Festuca glauca, Zones 4–9), floss flower (Ageratum houstonianum, annual), Flower Carpet rose, ajuga, candy alyssum (Lobularia maritima, Zones 5–9), and Alaska nasturtium (Nasturtium ‘Alaska Combine’, annual).
Deedee was smelling the newly harvested tomatoes (July 2024). The flowering vegetation embody Profusion zinnia within the raised mattress and self-seeding candy alyssum.
The 2 brothers have been stress-free on the bridge on a midsummer afternoon (July 2024). The blooming pink flower within the middle distant is a potted crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica, Zones 7–9). We overwinter it within the greenhouse.
Deedee stood in entrance of a fishpond in June 2022. Vegetation alongside the fishpond embody a Japanese maple tree, blue fescue, coral bell, sedum, creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia, Zones 4–8), iris, and catmint. To the precise of Deedee have been hostas and a false cypress. A patch of wildflowers was blooming within the background. Deedee handed away on June 2, 2025 (virtually 19 years previous). He has left his footprints everywhere in the backyard and is now resting there—a life fortunately lived within the backyard.
Thanks a lot for sending this stunning submission to us, Tingshu, and for sharing the passing of the one that you love Deedee. The individuals and pets that we take pleasure in our outside areas with are simply as very important because the vegetation we fastidiously have a tendency and prepare. Your backyard won’t ever be the identical with out Deedee strolling its paths and taking part in on the garden, however the reminiscences will stay in that area perpetually. ❤️
We need to see YOUR backyard!
Have photographs to share? We’d like to see your backyard, a selected assortment of vegetation you like, or an exquisite backyard you had the possibility to go to!
To submit, ship 5–10 photographs to [email protected] together with some details about the vegetation within the footage and the place you took the photographs. We’d love to listen to the place you’re positioned, how lengthy you’ve been gardening, successes you’re happy with, failures you discovered from, hopes for the long run, favourite vegetation, or humorous tales out of your backyard.
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Positive Gardening Advisable Merchandise
Razor-Again Potato/Refuse Hook
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Lee Valley Massive Gardener’s Wash Basket
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This basket was designed for use by gardeners to scrub freshly harvested greens earlier than taking them inside. You may collect your greens after which hose them off proper in the identical basket. Nonetheless, you too can use it for fruit or add a fabric liner for serving bread or different baked items. Measuring 16″ lengthy, 11″ vast and 4″ deep, it’s made from chrome-plated metal to withstand rust.
